Way back in the year 1971 there was a rock band from the suburbs north of Philadelphia named Chicken. It all started when lead guitarist John Phelps set out to find other musicians to form a band and perform original songs he created with his Les Paul Jr. guitar. He was friends with Mark Williamson, who was passionate about music and drumming and had a new set of drums. They hooked up with singer Steve Mackey who also wrote original songs and had a nack for cool lyrics that worked well with Johns songs. Finally, bass player Steve Scarpello or “Scarpy” was brought into the fold and the band was complete. One day when Steve Mackey heard a certain guitar part that John was playing he remarked that it sounded like a chicken screaming. It soon translated into the band being named Chicken. Then with a band, a name, and their songs, it was time to get out there and start to let the world hear what they were doing. Chicken was soon recognized as one of the better bands in the area. They played some cover tunes but the original music was what they were all about, and as 17 and 18 year olds they were writing some really great songs. They played on a regular basis in many different venues. Their following kept growing larger and they seemed to really appreciate the original music that Chicken was writing and performing. At one point Chicken gained access to a local church and recorded most of their originals onto cassette tapes. The band continued to write songs and perform for a while but, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. By the spring of 1972, for many reasons, the band Chicken split up and the four members all went their separate ways. At the time Chicken seemed lost forever. All of the ex-Chicken members went on to continue playing music. Over the years they each had many different experiences with their music, many bands, gigs, and songs. Little did any of them realize what was to happen 37 years in the future? From here we flash forward to October of 2008. After all the years of different bands, music, families, jobs, and life in general something incredible happened. Chicken was brought back to life. Through many different mutual friends and fellow musicians the members of Chicken were able to reconnect. The main reason for this was that Scarpy had found the cassette tapes of all the songs Chicken had recorded at that church so long ago. He gave them to Mark on a CD. Mark sent a CD to Steve, and then Steve made sure he got a copy of them out to John. So by January of 2009 the circle was complete. The four band members from Chicken were reconnected 37 years later. Steve would later dub Scarpy as “The Keeper of The Great Lost Chicken Tapes”. Over the course of the next few months there were many conversations between the band members and it was realized that these old Chicken songs were pretty good. Even after all this time they still sounded great and still had what it takes. It was soon decided that a Chicken reunion was in order! During the summer of 2009 each member began to relearn and practice eight of their favorite Chicken songs. Each member of the band worked separately but together toward the ultimate goal of reuniting and recording these great songs. Finally the dates were set and in October of 2009 what had once seemed an unlikely dream became a reality. The band had one full rehearsal before going into the studio for the next three days to record. They toiled for 8 to 10 hours each day, enjoying the music and the reunion they had anticipated for so long. The reminiscing, energy and enthusiasm was at an all time high. Every member came so well prepared to play their part. With only three days to record time was also a big issue, so they played the music live in the studio with very little overdubbing. When it was all over there were eight great songs recorded. After three days Chicken was reincarnated. The end result of all of this is the CD you are now holding in your hand and listening to. Not many people get to go back and recreate a time of their lives that was so special and meant so much. Through their music and their dedication to it Chicken was able to do just that. The members of Chicken are very proud and appreciative of this opportunity and the fact that they were fortunate enough to have accomplished what they set out to do. And the bottom line is, the songs are great and they had tons of fun recording them and getting back together as old friends. As you listen to the music, think about the 37 years that have passed between “Then & Now”. All the different things that have occurred over that time span could have easily made it impossible for this reunion to happen and this music could have been lost forever. But it did happen and it happened the right way and for all the right reasons. Thank the music Gods. Chicken lives! This CD is meant to be played LOUD!!